S53
ICD-10Non-billable categoryDislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of elbow
Official ICD-10-CM descriptor (FY2026)
Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of elbow
S53 is a category heading, not a billable code. CMS does not accept it on a claim; report one of the more specific codes beneath it.
Includes
- avulsion of joint or ligament of elbow
- laceration of cartilage, joint or ligament of elbow
- sprain of cartilage, joint or ligament of elbow
- traumatic hemarthrosis of joint or ligament of elbow
- traumatic rupture of joint or ligament of elbow
- traumatic subluxation of joint or ligament of elbow
- traumatic tear of joint or ligament of elbow
Excludes2
Not included here. The condition is not part of this code, but a patient may have both, and both codes may be reported together.
- strain of muscle, fascia and tendon at forearm level (S56.-)
Code also
Two codes may be needed; sequencing depends on the reason for the encounter.
- any associated open wound
7th character
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category S53
Permitted 7th characters
| A | initial encounter |
| D | subsequent encounter |
| S | sequela |
More specific codes under S53
Where this code sits
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ICD-10-CM FY2026. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) / National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), “2026 ICD-10-CM Code Descriptions in Tabular Order” (icd10cm_order_2026.txt). Download the original file from cms.gov. Public domain (US Government work). Descriptors, billable flags and instructional notes on this page are reproduced from that file without modification. Krasyn adds no clinical guidance.